After a hiatus of two years, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale Croquet Clubs met to compete for the Lakes/Dale Challenge Shield last Tuesday at Bairnsdale Croquet Club.
On a beautiful morning 12 players from each club set about to play a Hi/Low handicap doubles format competition.
This gave the opportunity for all interested members of each club to play whatever skill level they may have, with four rounds of games played during the day and totalled up to determine the winner of the shield.
Many long games were played ultimately going to the 13th hoop, while in other games both teams showed competitive strengths.
In saying this all games were played in good spirits, enjoying the camaraderie while being competitive.
Lakes welcomed Peter Berlingeri back, enjoying his croquet after his recent horrendous fishing accident.
The Lakes team, with much delight, took out the shield, with the score being 13 games to 11.
The final results only became apparent following the last game to come off the court.
Bairnsdale Croquet Club put on a magnificent afternoon tea and president of Bairnsdale, Judy Hodder, presented the shield to president of Lakes Entrance, Neil Robbins.
Lakes Entrance will travel to Orbost at the end of the month to compete and join with Orbost Croquet Club in the annual Lakes/Orbost Challenge.
Lakes Entrance thanked Bairnsdale for a well-organised fun day with both clubs looking forward to next year’s challenge to be hosted by Lakes Entrance.
